Roberto De Zerbi is preparing for his first game in charge of Tottenham Hotspur as they travel to the Stadium of Light to take on Sunderland on Sunday.
The Italian has had well over a week to get to know his players and stamp his authority at the club. Tottenham are winless in the Premier League in 2026 and need that to change immediately to avoid relegation.
At the moment, they are just a point above West Ham United, who are 18th in the Premier League.
Sunderland have been notoriously difficult to beat at home this season, so the Italian faces a big test this weekend.
Tottenham still nursing injuries
After his arrival was officially confirmed, De Zerbi didn’t do an official press conference, instead opting to do a short interview on the club’s official socials.
However, ahead of the game against Sunderland, he did his first pre-match press conference where he provided an injury update on a handful of players, including Guglielmo Vicario and Rodrigo Bentancur.
“Vicario is not ready for this game. I hope he can come back next week but I don’t know yet.
“Bentancur is working with us but not completely but we have enough to fight, to play, to make points.”
The Italian also spoke about Mohammed Kudus, who suffered an injury setback just as he returned to first-team training after three months.
“I started with not big luck! Kudus was in my head a crucial player, especially for the position,” continued De Zerbi.
Read More: Mohammed Kudus: Tottenham forward unlikely to play again this season after cruel injury setback
“But we have to look forward. I think we have a lot of very good attackers. Kolo Muani, I know is not playing a good season, but he is a good player.
“Mathys Tel, I wanted at Marseille, Xavi is a big talent. Richarlison and Solanke as well, I mean you probably know better than me.”
De Zerbi sends message to Tottenham fans
Tottenham are in a spot of bother as the prospect of relegation continues to loom large at N17.
However, De Zerbi’s arrival has been a big boost for the club as he’s one of the best tacticians in the game currently.
The Italian urged the Tottenham fans to keep the faith and show up in large numbers between now and the rest of the season as they prepare for an important run of games.
“I haven’t any message,” said the Tottenham boss.
“Also, in the last game, they were fantastic before the game. The message for my staff and players is we have to deserve their support because the fans are suffering like us, like the players.
Read More: Roberto De Zerbi explains the most ‘crucial’ thing Tottenham must do to avoid relegation
“There is just one club, one team. The players can change teams, but the fans, the club is unique. We need to make the fans happy with the right football, the right spirit and behaviour on the pitch.”
A lot has gone wrong for Tottenham since their UEFA Europa League triumph, but De Zerbi’s arrival could be an important moment in their history if things go right. Welcome home, boss!
